Ana begins 2013 season in style

Ana made an excellent start to the 2013 season as she defeated Italy's world No.35 Francesca Schiavone at the Hopman Cup in Perth. The 25-year-old triumphed 6-0, 6-4 to give Serbia a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three rubbers team event.

It was a dream start to the new season for Ana as she whitewashed the former French Open champion in the first set.

The opening few games were competitive but Ana showed the greater class and grit to move into a 3-0 lead. At this point Ana relaxed and dictated play with her forehand, which was the dominant shot of the match.

Although Ana was broken when serving for the match at 5-3 in the second set, she broke Schiavone in the following game to clinch a most satisfying victory.

"It's so good to be back here, I really enjoyed coming out today," said Ana in her on-court interview. "Holding my serve in the first game was important. I didn't do much wrong in the first set.

Ana won seven of nine points at the net, hit 21 winners and produced a first serve percentage of 59, as top seeds Serbia opened their campaign with a win.

"A few times we were so close," said Ana, in reference to Serbia's wait to clinch the Hopman Cup crown. "I really hope this time we can put it together and go all the way. It's always fun to compete here. And we have a fun New Year's Ball to look forward to tonight."

ATP world No.1 Novak Djokovic takes on Andreas Seppi in the men's singles rubber, before Ana and Djokovic team up against Schiavone and Seppi in the mixed doubles finale.